VOTE FOR OCEAN BEACH BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Voting is open for Ocean Beach Customer Service Business of the Year. Put on by Ocean Beach MainStreet Association, the award was created for the local business that best exemplifies the spirit of the community and reflects positive awareness through their exceptional customer service. The winner must be a member in good standing of OBMA. The winners will be announced at the OBMA Annual Awards celebration on Jan. 24. To vote, visit surveymonkey.com/r/OBCustomerServiceAward.
PENINSULA COMMUNITY CONVERSATION
A community discussion event hosted by the Point Loma Association, featuring free food and a cash bar, will take place 5:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at Portuguese Hall Point Loma, 2818 Avenida De Portugal. Panelists will field questions directly from the audience.
The panel will feature: Fred Kosmo, Peninsula Community Planning Board; Andrea Schlageter, Ocean Beach Planning Board; Mark Winkie, Ocean Beach Town Council; Denny Knox, Ocean Beach MainStreet Association; Lt. Danny Grubbs, SDPD Western Division; David Martin, Point Loma Association; Clark Anthony Burlingame will be the moderator.
PHIL’S BBQ POINT LOMA LOCATION CLOSES FOR RENOVATION
Popular barbecue spot Phil’s BBQ closed its location at 3750 Sports Arena Blvd., on Jan. 2 to get started on a $1.5M renovation. According to Fox 5, updates to the restaurant will include an expanded dining and bar area, additional TV screens and a paint job.
“We’re committed to re-investing in our restaurants to make sure we continually offer guests the best and most up to date dining experience,” owner Phil Pace said in a written statement. “More than one million customers walk through the Phil’s BBQ Point Loma doors per year – it was time for an upgrade.”
The restaurant is expected to be shut down for over a month, with the reopening date currently set for Feb. 2. In the meantime, customers can enter the “Shutdown Sweepstakes” contest for a chance to win $2,500 in cash and a $2,500 gift card to Phil’s BBQ.
Don’t worry, you can still get your Phil’s BBQ fix. The chain’s locations in Santee, San Marcos, and Rancho Bernardo will stay open during the renovation – and offer all-day happy hours. Visit philsbbq.net.
CROWN ACE HARDWARE TO CLOSE
Crown Ace Hardware recently announced plans to close its store at Liberty Station. Originally opened in August 2008, the store will serve customers through mid February and will offer some significant discounts throughout the entire store.
"Closing a store’s always tough because it impacts our customers and our employees; and we do not do so lightly," said Mark Schulein, president of Crown Ace Hardware. "We've been fortunate to serve customers here for over 10 years and have built meaningful relationships with the community in that time; and are very sad to close.
“We truly love this store and our team; and we worked extremely hard to make it a success in the community. Unfortunately, the location proved to be challenging, and we opened while the center was both very new and in the midst of the Great Recession. These factors had lasting impacts, which we were not able to overcome.”
Schulein added that “We are working closely with our team members to offer positions in our other stores in San Diego or with other Ace retailers in the area.”
Crown will continue to serve customers at their locations in Clairemont, Encinitas and Carlsbad.
OB PLANNING BOARD APPROVES MIXED-USE BUILDING
The Ocean Beach Planning Board voted 11-1 recently to approve the development of a two-story mixed-use building consisting of two dwelling units and two commercial spaces located at 4870 Voltaire St. (Dover Plumbing property). The Board thanks all the community members who attended the meeting and provided input on this project.
CLASSICAL GUITAR AND BEYOND
A winter adventurous guitar concert that will take you from the classical realm to the ethnic spontaneous dynamic world of music will take place 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26 at Point Loma Assembly, 3035 Talbot St. Come to admire the mastery of guitar playing of three renowned guitarists: well established, accomplished and sought after San Diegan George Svoboda and Fred Beneditti will be joined by a special guest, direct from the Czech Republic, Standa Barek. European delicatessens and refreshments are also available for your enjoyment. For tickets or information, call 619-788-7428.
NEW AGENT AT COLDWELL ASSOCIATES
There’s a new face at the Ocean Beach office of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. Thomas Fessler has associated as an affiliate agent. “I love to help people through difficult situations, and because of my experience in Kundalini Yoga and energy work, I can energetically and spiritually enhance the quality of a client's home,” said Fessler.
OB MAN NAMED LAWYER OF THE YEAR
An Ocean Beach man was recently named “Best Lawyer of the Year” for 2019 by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers. Kevin F. Quinn, a senior partner at Thornes Bartolotta McGuire in downtown San Diego, was recognized for his distinguished reputation for taking tough cases other lawyers avoid to trial — and winning them.
He received an Outstanding Trial lawyer Award for one of the first elder abuse death cases tried under a newly enacted state law in 1998, the Outstanding Trial Lawyer of the Year in 2010 and achieved the victory for the largest single-plaintiff verdict in the state of California for 2010. He also was among the first to volunteer as a pro-bono representative for the families of those who were killed in 9/11.
BARONS MARKET BACKROOM BEER PAIRING
Barons Market is teaming up with Refuge Brewery for its first Backroom Beer Pairing of 2019. Held on Jan. 30 from 6 to 8 p.m., the stockrooms of seven different Southern California Barons Market locations will be transformed into speakeasies to raise money for local elementary schools and education foundations.
“Refuge Brewery and Barons Market both come from close-knit communities of the Southern California region,” says Rachel Shemirani, senior vice president of Barons. “We decided this event should raise money for local schools, so each Barons Market will pick a school of their choice to donate to.”
One hundred percent of proceeds from the event are donated to a school or charity. Last year, the event raised over $25,000. This year, Barons Market and Refuge Brewery combined their areas of expertise to create a one-of-a-kind menu, which includes:
• Baja Crush: a hazy IPA with a hint of citrus, paired with Asian chicken tacos with zesty slaw and spicy mayo.
• Blonde Ale: the beer’s refreshing and smooth flavor profile goes well with gooey roasted vegetable pizza topped with prosciutto and arugula.
• Grapefruit IPA: packed with a hoppy citrus kick, this IPA mixes perfectly with Buffalo wings and ranch, and celery and blue cheese.
• Blood Orange Wit: the brewery’s freshest and best-selling brew is complemented by Barons’ pound cake with churro ice cream and dulce de leche caramel sauce.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com.
CITY SEEKS BUSINESSES FOR RECYCLING AWARD
If your business or organization took steps to increase its recycling or reduce its waste in 2018, the City of San Diego wants to recognize your efforts. Beginning Jan. 9 through Friday, Feb. 8, applications are being accepted for the 2019 Business Waste Reduction and Recycling Award. Each year, the Environmental Services Department (ESD) recognizes businesses and organizations located within San Diego that have implemented or expanded innovative and successful waste reduction and recycling programs, as well as recycled product purchasing programs.
Applicants with the most comprehensive, creative and/or improved recycling programs will receive the City’s Business Waste Reduction and Recycling Award. Top recyclers will be recognized at an awards ceremony in May 2019 at the San Diego Central Library. All applicants will be invited to the awards event.
Applications can be downloaded at ESD’s website, completed online or by contacting Jennifer Hobbs at JHobbs@sandiego.gov or 858-492-5076. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 8, 2019 and can be emailed or mailed to the City of San Diego, Environmental Services Department c/o Jennifer Hobbs, 9601 Ridgehaven Court, Suite 320, San Diego, CA 92123.
OCEAN BEACH TOWN COUNCIL ELECTION
The 2019 Ocean Beach Town Council board of directors election is approaching and letters of intent are now being accepted. If you would like to take your community involvement to the next level, here’s a great opportunity. By being an OBTC director you can be an elected voice in communicating the views and needs of the community to the appropriate agencies, be at the forefront of community discussions, take appropriate action on community issues and be a leader in promoting the general betterment of Ocean Beach.
There are 15 seats on the Ocean Beach Town Council board of directors and OBTC members elect board directors for two-year terms. Half of the board stands for election every year. This year, eight seats are up for election. If you would like to be considered for candidacy, submit your candidate statement to: info@obtowncouncil.org by Jan. 21.
Eligible candidates must be over 18 years of age, already be a paid-in-full OBTC member, and either live, work, own property, or operate a business in Ocean Beach (92107). Voting for this election will take place from Monday, Jan. 28 to Friday, Feb. 8.
The Ocean Beach Town Council is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to expressing the will of Ocean Beach residents and representing the welfare of the community. For more information, contact info@obtowncouncil.org or visit obtowncouncil.org.

This view from Chatsworth Boulevard shows what the new three-story building will look like. It will replace an outdated building that is to be demolished. At left is the current 200 Building and at right the current 300 Building, both of which are scheduled for renovation. / Graphic: San Diego Unified School District

A scheduled vote by the San Diego Unified School District Board of Education at its Feb. 12 meeting will award a construction contract setting in motion an ambitious modernization of buildings and other improvements on the Point Loma High campus.
Following the vote, a notice to proceed will be issued by the district and work will begin. The improvements are being financed with Prop. S funds.
One of the first targets on the 94-year-old campus is removal of a round building known as the 800 Building and visible from Chatsworth Boulevard. District architects and planners quickly noted several years ago the structure was outdated.
The two-story edifice contains the school's valuable Media Center on the first floor and oddly-shaped classrooms on the second floor that radiate from a center room. The basement contains all of the site's electrical, telephone and computer connections known as the Main Distribution Frame. But despite all this, there are no restrooms in the structure.
Moving of these will take place over the coming summer, temporarily removing the school from the electrical grid but with all services back in place for the 2019-20 school year, according to Principal Hans Becker.
Teachers from the 800 Building will be moving to temporary classrooms located on the current basketball courts adjacent to the stadium, Becker said. Joining them will be teachers from the current 200 and 300 Buildings, both of which front Chatsworth Boulevard. and are to be renovated.
When that is completed, the 800 Building will be demolished.
In its place a new three-story building will rise fronting Chatsworth Boulevard. The building will feature a new media center on the first floor and 10 state-of-the-art classrooms on each of the second and third floors. A multi-functional central outdoor space is also planned for student use.
Also coming to Chatsworth Boulevard are new bus turnout spaces to allow for easier traffic flow plus reconfiguration of the main school parking lot on Clove Street, landscape and hardscape improvements, construction of new security enclosures, practice fields and technology upgrades.
The district website shows completion of these projects in approximately 18 months.
"I'm thinking realistically two school years," Becker said. "I don't see us moving in mid-year. I see delays and unexpected things, so in my mind's eye I'm thinking two years."
That timetable would have staff and students occupying the new facilities in August 2021.
District officials have studied predicted future student populations at PLHS and are planning these projects to serve those numbers.
Current projects nearing completion are the installation of new bleachers in the main gym, installation of new security fencing along Chatsworth Boulevard and a new marquee due to be installed at the intersection of Chatsworth and Voltaire Street by the end of February.
Planning for all these undertakings began several years ago with open meetings between district planning and architectural staff and the public. One of the first projects was the controversial lighting of Pete Ross Stadium. Some community members insisted the school's field would be rented out almost nightly to raise funds, causing horrendous noise and other injurious problems.
A special field use agreement was adopted by the school board that limited night events at the stadium to 18 per year with lighting turned off by 7 p.m. nightly when student athletic teams are practicing.
The district installed computer-aimed LED lighting that has very little spillage into nearby properties. Extra security was brought in on football game nights.
Becker followed the agreement stringently, not violating the agreement once. He said comments from nearby neighbors at mandated follow-up meetings after the first year of lighting resulted in positive feedback from the community.

Walking along the Ocean Beach Pier, Adam Sutton and his leashed 9-month-old Bengal cat Damnit are stopped a total of three times in 10 minutes. It happens a lot when people walking by see him sunbathing on the beach, climbing trees, playing fetch, or stalking seagulls.
Saying “Hi” and petting him is totally fine, but whatever you do — don’t tell him he’s a cat.
“He doesn’t know,” Sutton laughed. “It’s like a big secret. He likes dogs, not other cats. He’ll walk up to the biggest dog and when the dog keeps walking by, he tries to chase him.”
Since the pair first got together in May 2018, they’ve been inseparable. Whether it’s entertaining locals and tourists during their walks in OB or taking a drive up to Julian to play in the snow on Christmas, Sutton and Damnit are true partners in crime.
“This lifestyle just allows us to do that,” said Sutton, who built out a Mercedes Sprinter van to live in after the apartment complex gave tenants a 90-day notice to move out.
“I went home, added it up, and realized I gave this landlord almost a quarter of a million dollars. I had lived there for 15 years. I decided that I don’t ever want to give my money away to someone like that again.”
Sutton’s new home-on-wheels comes complete with a wood-burning fireplace, a cat tree for Damnit and the ability to go wherever they want. Something that he wishes he would have done more of with his first Bengal, Johnson.
A white snow Bengal, Sutton had no idea that it was even possible to take him outside of the house. It wasn’t until the last three years of his 17-year-old life that he decided to take a chance and take Johnson camping.
“He didn't have a leash, and he still just hung out with us on the campsite and chilled. Then I took him on the boat to see what he would do, and again, he chilled. I felt so bad because this whole time I just left him at home and he could of went so many rad places.
“I’m not gonna do that to this guy,” Sutton said, watching Damnit watch the waves. “He’s going with me.”
Anyone interested in following along with Damnit’s adventures — which includes everything from chasing a soccer ball on the beach to riding shotgun in Sutton’s car when he’s making a delivery for UberEats — can follow him on Instagram @Damnit_ob_bengal.

Two recent rescues in wintery storm conditions underscore the need to take extraordinary care whenever surf levels are high.
A man died saving his dog in the first incident, which occurred Wednesday, Jan. 9 at 1:50 p.m. at Dog Beach in Ocean Beach.
The second incident occurred a day later, on Thursday, Jan. 10 about 10:45 a.m., when a pair of San Diego Seals professional lacrosse players jumped from The Arch at Sunset Cliffs into a high surf area and had to be rescued.
Regarding the Jan. 10 incident, San Diego Fire Rescue spokesperson Monica Munoz said lifeguards were notified about two men in their 20s who’d jumped into the water at The Arch – a popular spot for cliff jumpers.
“One was rescued from the water by lifeguards on a rescue craft and taken to OB,” Munoz said. “The other had climbed onto a cliff ledge. Because of high surf, lifeguards and firefighters performed a cliff rescue to get the second person.”
Munoz said there were no injuries to either of the two men that required their hospitalization.
“It is against San Diego Municipal Code to jump into the Pacific Ocean from a height greater than five feet because it’s dangerous,” said Munoz, noting, “Especially during high surf events, it is not recommended that people get into the water, unless they are swimming near a lifeguard and have a lot of experience as a swimmer.”
Of the Jan. 9 incident, Munoz, said: “SDFD Dispatch Center receive a request for help from the channel area at Dog Beach where a man had been swept into the water as he was trying to retrieve his dog from the river channel. Witnesses told lifeguards that he was found face down in the water a few minutes after he went in.
“Lifeguards were able to pull him from the water using a rescue water craft,” Munoz said. “They brought him to the beach and started CPR.”
The dog either came out of the water on its own or was brought out of the water by someone else, and was eventually taken to family members, noted Munoz.
The Medical Examiner's Office later identified the victim as Nevada resident Gregg Owens. He was admitted to UCSD Hospital's intensive care unit where he was later pronounced dead.
SDFD lifeguards estimated Owen’s age as somewhere in his 50s or 60s.
San Diego lifeguards offer these beach and water safety tips:
• Swim near a lifeguard;
• Never swim alone;
• Supervise children closely, even when lifeguards are present;
• Don't rely on flotation devices, such as rafts or inner-tubes;
• If caught in a rip current, swim sideways until free, don't swim against the current's pull;
• Do not swim while under the influence of illicit drugs, medications that may cause impairment or alcohol;
• Protect your head, neck and spine – don't dive into unfamiliar waters – feet first, first time;
• If you are in trouble, call or wave for help;
• Follow regulations and lifeguard directions;
• Swim parallel to shore if you wish to swim long distances;
• Scuba dive only if trained and certified – and within the limits of your experience and training;
• Report hazardous conditions to lifeguards or other beach management personnel;
• Stay clear of coastal bluffs, they can collapse and cause injury;
• Never turn your back to the ocean – you may be swept off coastal bluffs or tide pool areas by waves that can come without warning.

Surfers Izzy Poulin and Trevor Borello at the bottom of Ladera Street stairs in August. The stairway had been closed since a Feb. 13 cliff landslide, but has recently opened after repairs. / THOMAS MELVILLE / PENINSULA BEACON

The new year brings many changes, including new laws addressing everything from surfing to gender identification, to cutbacks on plastic straws and the types of animals that can be sold in pet stores.
Here are a few new laws:
• Dogs, cats and rabbits sold in pet stores are now required to be obtained only from animal shelters or rescue groups.
• People applying for a license or identity card can select their own gender, female, male or non-binary. Those choosing "No binary" will receive a card with an "X" gender category.
• Surfing has been designated as California’s official state sport.
• Kids meals in most restaurants must now have a milk- or water-based beverage as the default choice and a parent must request a soda for the child.
• People over age 18 will no longer need to use a helmet to use a motorized scooter.
• New rules will dictate how divorcing couples determine custody of the family pet.
• State parks must now make clear on their websites if dogs are allowed.
• Repeat offenders for DUI, or those who receive a first DUI offense and have caused injuries, must install a breathalyzer on their engine ignition for 12 to 48 months.
• Twelve years is now the minimum age for prosecution in juvenile court, unless a minor younger than 12 has committed murder or rape.
• A defendant under the age of 16 can no longer be tried as an adult sending them to prison instead of a juvenile detention facility.
• Authorized California car dealers must place a paper plate with a number and expiration date on every vehicle they sell, whether new or used.
• Images of body cameras on police officers, and any other audio recording acquired by a police agency, are required to be disclosed to the public within 45 days after a police shooting or excessive force causes death or injury to a person.
• Courts will no longer be able to suspend, restrict or delay issuing a minor's driver's license for one year for truancy or for being under the guardianship of the state.
• The exemption from smog verification for vehicles that have been purchased new will extend from six to eight years. During the two years of this exemption, the vehicle owner will not have to do the smog check but pay $25.
• The DMV must include at least one question on 20 percent of knowledge tests (written exams) on traffic laws about California's unsecured load code.
• Anyone convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense is prohibited from possessing a firearm for the rest of their lives.
• Gun owners with a concealed carry license must undergo a minimum of eight hours of training, and demonstrate proficiency and safety on the shooting range.
• Employers must make reasonable efforts to provide a room or place for breastfeeding that is not a bathroom.
• Restaurants statewide are required to give out single-use straws only upon request of customers. It applies to full-service dining establishments but exempts fast-food restaurants. Restaurants violating the law could be fined $25 daily for violations, or a maximum of $300 per year.
• Cities and counties can now authorize and regulate the sale of homemade foods.

Man accused of robbing Midway 7-Eleven arraignedBail of $2 million was set on Jan. 10 for a man suspected of robbing two 7-Eleven clerks on Sports Arena Boulevard and kidnapping a taxi driver afterwards at gunpoint to take him away. Steven Raymo...

Crown Ace Hardware in Liberty Station to close Crown Ace Hardware recently announced plans to close its store at Liberty Station. Originally opened in August 2008, the store will serve customers through mid February and will offer some signific...

Officer involved shooting in the Midway District On Thursday, Jan. 3, at 9:48 p.m., the San Diego Police Department Communications Center received a 911 call regarding a male with a knife in an apartment in the 3100 block of Cauby Street. The cal...

Victim identified in Pacific Beach homicide At approximately 1:47 a.m. on Dec. 29, the San Diego Police Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call regarding a possible shooting inside a residence in the 2300 block of Wilbur Avenue. Patrol o...

Annual Hungry Dog Dash set for Feb. 3For the eighth consecutive year, one of the area's family fitness events will take place at Liberty Station. It's the Hungry Dog Dash, a fun-filled 5K run/walk that features a scenic route, music a...